'We believe in peace based on equity'

Extracts from Crown Prince Abdullah's speech to the Arab League summit in Beirut:

In spite of all that has happened and what still may happen, the primary issue in the heart and mind of every person in our Arab Islamic nation is the restoration of legitimate rights in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon.

Those who follow the intifada of our brothers in Palestine, which has the support of all Arabs and Muslims, realise that steadfastness will not wither, that bravery will not retreat and that justice will prevail. Every person in Palestine understands that the way to liberation is either through steadfastness and struggle, or a just and comprehensive peace. It is incumbent on the Israeli government to understand this and embark on a new path, and that is the path of peace.

Peace is a free and voluntary choice made by two equal parties, and it cannot survive if it is based on oppression and humiliation. The peace process is based on a clear principle: land for peace. This principle is accepted by the international community and is embodied in UN security council resolutions 242 and 338, and was adopted by the Madrid Conference in 1991. It was confirmed by the resolutions of the European community and other regional organisations, and re-emphasised again this month by UN security council resolution 1397.

It is clear in our minds and in the minds of our brethren in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, that the only acceptable objective of the peace process is the full Israeli withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with al-Quds al-Sharif [East Jerusalem] as its capital, and the return of refugees. Without moving towards this objective, the peace process is an exercise in futility which perpetuates violence.

The use of violence for more than 50 years has only resulted in more violence and destruction, and the Israeli people are as far as they have ever been from security and peace, notwithstanding military superiority and efforts to subdue and oppress.

The time has come for Israel to put its trust in peace after it has gambled on war for decades without success. Israel and the world must understand that peace and the retention of the occupied Arab territories are incompatible and impossible to reconcile or achieve.

I would further say to the Israeli people that if their government abandons the policy of force and oppression and embraces true peace, we will not hesitate to accept the right of the Israeli people to live in security with the people of the region.

We believe in taking up arms in self-defence and to deter aggression. But we also believe in peace when it is based on justice and equity, and when it brings an end to conflict. Only within the context of true peace can normal relations flourish between the people of the region and allow the region to pursue development rather than war.

In light of the above, and with your backing and that of the Almighty, I propose that the Arab summit put forward a clear and unanimous initiative addressed to the United Nations security council based on two basic issues: normal relations and security for Israel in exchange for full withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories, recognition of an independent Palestinian state with al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital, and the return of refugees.

At the same time, I appeal to all friendly countries throughout the world to support this noble humanitarian proposal which seeks to remove the danger of wars and the establishment of peace for all inhabitants of the region, without exception.